18. The Memento Mori Hourglass & Skull Pot
Introduction
Centering on classic philosophical themes of time and mortality, the Memento Mori Hourglass & Skull Pot features detailed paintings of wooden hourglasses with black sand, winged skulls, and fading candles.
What This Idea Means
Memento Mori art reminds viewers of the precious nature of time. Translating this classic philosophical art genre onto plant pots pairs themes of mortality directly with living, growing flora.
How to Make It
- Paint the pot in a smooth dark slate grey or warm bone-brown background.
- Sketch a central brass or dark wood hourglass on the front face, with a winged skull or raven perched on top.
- Paint the hourglass frame using metallic bronze or antique gold paint, filling the glass bulbs with black and white sand textures.
- Paint a melting wax candle alongside the hourglass, adding a flickering orange flame and wisps of grey smoke drifting around the rim.
- Hand-paint Latin mottos like Tempus Fugit (Time Flies) or Memento Mori in gothic calligraphy along the top rim band.
Tips & Variations
- Real Sand Accent: Glue real fine black sand inside the lower bulb section of the painted hourglass for authentic tactile depth.
- Withered Rose Detail: Paint a falling, withered red rose petal dropping alongside the hourglass frame.
- Plant Pairing: Complements String of Hearts, String of Turtles, or Tillandsia Air Plants.